Blue Crab Bank for the Advancement and Development of Eastern Coastal Communities 2024
The coastal areas of the eastern region, along the border of Chonburi and Rayong provinces, are significant for tourism, fishing, and aquaculture. Geographically suitable for economic development, these areas host large industrial estates, particularly the Laem Chabang Industrial Estate, a key target in the Eastern Economic Corridor (EEC) development plan. Consequently, coastal communities must adapt to changes in the area’s context, society, and ensuing environmental challenges, posing obstacles to sustainable community development. Therefore, this project promotes continuous activities by supporting relevant equipment and, providing an accurate understanding of seahorse biology and promoting other fishermen to participate in conservation efforts to enhance seahorse resources in nature, as well as sustainably carry out seahorse banking activities.The implementation of the project “Promoting the Sustainable Operation of Blue Crab Banks in Chonburi and Rayong Provinces” aims to enhance the capacity of blue crab banks to operate sustainably, disseminate knowledge about these banks, raise awareness about the restoration of marine natural resources and the environment, and develop communities with the potential to process blue crab products.
Six activities have been established to support the continuous and sustainable operation of the blue crab bank. These activities are:
1) Enhancing the capacity of the blue crab bank for sustainable operation.
2) Monitoring the operations of blue crab banks within the network.
3)Organizing study visits and exchanges on managing blue crab banks/conservation-focused crab banking.
4) Transferring technology for processing food products from blue crabs.
5) Building networks and organizing activities to release juvenile crabs.
and 6) Developing the bank into a learning center.
Currently, five networks support the activities of the Blue Crab Bank. These networks include Saensuk Municipality, Ang Sila Municipality, Chonburi Municipality, Si Racha Municipality, and Paknam Rayong Municipality. Their achievements include the development of a prototype product, “Hoi Jo Crab,” and a manual titled “Blue Crab Bank.” Additionally, this project has been continuously implemented and has utilized public relations media to stimulate collaborative learning within the community, providing a platform for the general public interested in expanding the knowledge generated by the blue crab bank.
Project Leader: Department of Aquatic Science, Faculty of Sciences